Gather Us in

Bring families of all ages and backgrounds together through play, learning, and prayer If you're looking to strengthen your parish community-to encourage families to work and play together while sharing and living out their faith-the tools in this resource will make it easy. This extensive toolkit offers a wealth of fun and thought-provoking suggestions for jump-starting the process, drawn from Kathleen O'Connell Chesto's decades of experience leading whole family catechesis.You will find great ideas and guidance, such as: - Icebreakers for learning names or for filling your space with loud animal noises.- Seasonal social activities, such as "Potluck Scripture" meals, "Liturgical Tablecloth" events, Mardi Gras parties (with or without pancakes), and "Family Drive-In" movies.- Seasonal service activities, such as garage/tag sales, litter hikes, Valentine's Day activities with shut-ins or at convalescent homes, and Advent letter-writing.- Family day events, such as "Saints Alive," celebrating the holiness of family life, and a "Sacrament Scavenger Hunt."- Rituals and prayer services, including a ritual for starting the school year and a "Celebration of Mercy."- A session and prayer experience on forming and celebrating a Covenant, which can be used to kick off a new catechetical year or pastoral program.The resource is divided into four sections: Part 1: IcebreakersThis section includes engaging games for learning names, getting to know one another better, and learning to work and play together. These games have been used successfully with Scouts, P